Rep. Charles Cunningham

Maddy summaryHB 84 authorizes Texas pharmacists to dispense ivermectin for human use without a doctor's prescription, directly affecting pharmacists and patients seeking this medication. The bill requires the state health commissioner to issue a statewide order with standardized protocols for pharmacists, including patient instructions and annual reporting on dispensing volumes. It also provides legal protection for pharmacists who follow the order, shielding them from liability or disciplinary action. The commissioner must issue this order within 91 days after the legislative session ends, implementing the policy changes outlined in the new Health and Safety Code section.

Maddy summarySB 1362 prohibits Texas state and local entities - including courts, law enforcement, and prosecutors - from recognizing, serving, or enforcing "extreme risk protective orders" (commonly called "red flag" orders). These orders typically restrict firearm access when a court deems someone a risk to themselves or others. The bill creates a criminal offense for violating this prohibition and blocks Texas entities from accepting federal grants meant to implement such orders. It directly affects all Texas government bodies and law enforcement agencies, preventing them from participating in programs that require enforcing these firearm restrictions. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1056 recognizes physical gold and silver coins meeting specific weight and purity standards as legal tender in Texas for debt payments, while prohibiting government markings except for identifying refiners. It authorizes the state comptroller to establish electronic payment systems backed by bullion held in depositories, allowing transactions using gold/silver-based currency. The bill explicitly states it does not replace U.S. dollars, restrict federal currency, or require businesses to accept gold/silver tender. It also permits the comptroller to set reasonable administrative fees for the system. This law applies to Texas residents and businesses using the state-administered electronic currency system, operating alongside existing federal currency.

Maddy summaryHB 1532 creates the Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District to manage dredging and maintenance in specific waterways, directly affecting residents and property owners within its service area (Lake Houston, San Jacinto River forks, Luce Bayou downstream from Trent Road, and Caney Creek between Harris County and Lake Houston). The bill establishes a governing board of five directors appointed by Houston City Council, Houston Public Works, Harris County Flood Control District, and the Houston Mayor, with staggered four-year terms. Key provisions authorize the district to issue bonds to fund dredging and maintenance operations, which are essential for flood control, water quality, and navigation. This law, effective immediately after being filed without the governor's signature, codifies a new entity to handle these critical waterway maintenance tasks under Texas Constitution Section 59.

Maddy summarySB 968 amends Texas law to update the process for issuing temporary licenses to podiatry applicants. It allows the licensing commission to establish rules for these temporary licenses, including eligibility criteria and maximum validity periods, while repealing two existing sections (202.061 and 202.260) related to provisional licensing. The bill directly affects podiatry applicants seeking temporary practice authorization, particularly those who would have previously qualified under repealed Section 202.260. The changes take effect September 1, 2025, and do not impact licenses issued before that date. This is a procedural adjustment to licensing rules, not a broad policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 43 amends Texas law to update the definition of "agricultural business" in the Agriculture Code, explicitly including rural recreational businesses (like hiking or fishing on farmland) and nonprofit land conservation groups. It also revises the composition of the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority's board, requiring the governor to appoint nine members with specific representation: two young farmers/ranchers, two representatives from rural entities (chambers, trade associations), and others with agricultural lending expertise. These changes directly affect entities applying for the Authority's loan and grant programs, such as farmers, ranchers, rural tourism businesses, and conservation nonprofits. The bill became law on June 20, 2025, after passing both chambers unanimously.

Maddy summarySB 1596 amends Texas Penal Code Section 46.05(a) to explicitly prohibit the possession, manufacture, transportation, repair, or sale of short-barrel firearms without proper registration or classification as a curio/antique. The bill directly affects individuals and businesses handling such firearms, adding them to existing prohibitions alongside machine guns and explosive devices. Key provisions include defining short-barrel firearms as illegal under the law (effective September 1, 2025) and establishing limited exceptions for antique/curio items or specific organizations. The bill repeals a prior Penal Code section (46.01(10)) and clarifies that new restrictions apply only to offenses occurring on or after the effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 4226 exempts nonprofit food banks and specific housing providers from Texas state sales, use, and rental taxes on motor vehicles they purchase, use, or rent. It directly affects food banks (as defined in Section 162.001) and housing providers serving homeless individuals with disabilities who meet strict criteria (continuously homeless for 1+ year or four homelessness episodes in 3 years). The bill adds new Tax Code sections requiring vehicles to be used "primarily" for the organization's core services. This exemption applies only to vehicles acquired on or after its September 1, 2025 effective date. The law was signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2137 prohibits Texas housing authorities from requiring or considering public school quality ratings (like test scores or ratings) when allocating low-income housing tax credits. This directly affects developers applying for these credits, as it stops them from being penalized or favored based on the quality of nearby public schools. The law requires the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs to study the policy's impact and report findings by November 1, 2027, and expires September 1, 2027. It applies only to applications submitted under the 2026 or 2027 allocation cycles and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Texas laws governing the licensing and regulation of speech-language pathologists and audiologists. It requires the state commission to create rules for hearing instrument sales, including contract requirements, record-keeping standards, and a 30-day trial period with plain language explanations for consumers. The legislation also modifies provisional licensing procedures for out-of-state professionals by allowing them to waive the sponsorship requirement if the department determines it would cause hardship. These changes aim to clarify consumer protections and streamline licensing processes for qualified professionals.